March 9, 2007
Box Score
Missoula, MT--Natalie Doma tallied her 23rd double-double of the season with game highs of 21 points and 18 rebounds as Idaho State overcame an eight point halftime deficit to defeat Weber State 72-63 Friday night in the semifinals of the Big Sky Conference Tournament. With the win, the Bengals advance to Saturday's championship game to face either Montana or Northern Arizona.
The Bengals improve to 16-13 overall on the season, while Weber ends its season with a 17-14 mark.
After falling behind 33-25 at halftime, ISU battled back to tie the game 48-48 with 10:13 to play. Weber countered with a short 5-1 run to take back a 54-49 lead with 6:49 to play. The Bengals then took control, going on a 13-4 run to take a 63-58 lead with 2:53 remaining.
Idaho State then limited the Wildcats to just two more points over the final 2:37 to secure the win and a spot in Saturday's title game.
Doma, who scored 17 of her 21 points in the second half, connected on 7-of-17 shots for her 21 point total. The junior center also pulled down 18 rebounds, which ties her with three other players for the second-most rebounds in a single game in Big Sky Tournament history. Doma also registered five blocks in the game.
"It was our second half effort that won it for us," said ISU head coach Jon Newlee. "I told the team at halftime to go out there and have some fun. We looked like we were of death row in the first half. I think that change of attitude in the second half gave us a boost. We had a total change of effort in the second half."
Along with Doma, Michelle Grohs also notched a double-double effort, tallying 12 points with 11 rebounds. Grohs also added a career-high six blocks--the third most in a single game in tournament history.
Jeni Boesel also recorded double digits for ISU, scoring 17 points on 5-of-12 shooting, including three theys. Devin Diehl scored 11 points, while Andrea Lightfoot helped with seven.
The Bengals ended the game with a 37.7 percent clip from the field after shooting just 26.5 percent in the first half. Idaho State hit nearly 52 percent of its shot in the second half. ISU was right on its average of threes per game, connecting on nine.
The win avenges a semifinal 71-70 loss to Weber State at last year's tournament semifinal.
"I don't think I'll ever get over losing to Weber State in the semifinals of the tournament on our home floor, but his will definitely help me sleep a little better at night," ISU head coach Jon Newlee aid of the win.
Idaho State now moves on to the Big Sky Tournament championship game, and will face the winner of the Northern Arizona/Montana semifinal matchup. Tip-off of Saturday's title game is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Altitude Sports Television. The game will also be available on the radio at 91.1 FM KISU.
